Like Pearls, Corals help make up the very small list of organic jewelry materials. Also, like pearls, Corals consist of more than 90% calcium carbonate. The corals used in bead and jewelry making are not the protected coral species of the fragile coral reefs, but the more common and hearty species such as corallium japonicum or corallium rubrum. Coral is sensitive to heat, direct sunlight and cosmetics. Currently the International Commission of Colored Gemstones (CIBJO) recognizes only five organic (once living material) gemstones: Ammolite, amber, pearl, jet, and coral. Bamboo coral grows in segmented sections similar to those of bamboo. Match our bamboo coral with turquoise, sterling silver and heishi style beads.

John James needles are high quality and one of our most popular beading needle options. Standard beading needles are very fine and long. The eye of the needle is the same width as the rest of the needle. Choosing the correct beading needle is not an exact science, and different beaders will opt for different sizes and lengths of beading needles. Smaller beads such as seed beads require a slender beading needle with a narrow eye. Beading needle sizes 10 (thickest) through 15 (thinnest) work best. Sizes 10 through 12 work great for most standard seed bead projects, while size 15 works great for tiny seed beads such as 15/0 and macco tubes. If your project requires multiple passes through a bead, you will want to choose a thinner needle. Short sharp beading needles are best for embroidery projects and longer needles are great for loom work.